The popular 2000trees festival, held at Upcote Farm, Withington, near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, have announced the “absolutely heart-breaking decision” to move the festival to July 6th-10th 2022.
Around 20 non-UK bands including headliners Jimmy Eat World and Thrice, plus Knocked Loose, Young Guns, The Get Up Kids, Laura Jane Grace, Anti-Flag and Stray From The Path had confirmed that they would not be able to attend the 2021 edition.
A statement from the organisers said: “Bands dropping out is one thing, but to make matters worse the UK Government have repeatedly refused to provide any COVID-19 cancellation insurance for the live events industry.
“Hundreds of festivals have been asking for months for a Government backed insurance policy allowing us to confidently host events this year. We were hopeful that this insurance would be in place by now. Although they have provided a similar scheme for film and TV, the Government have completely let the live music industry down by refusing to back a simple insurance policy.
“This would have cost them next to nothing, unless the roadmap dates are changed (or we are put into another lockdown) and it is the single most effective thing they could have done to get festivals back up and running this summer. Many independent festivals have already postponed because of this and we know of many other events that will shortly be announcing their postponement.
“The obvious concern is that there may still be delays or changes to the COVID-19 restrictions at the last minute. Without this vital COVID-19 cancellation insurance, going ahead with this years event would simply be a huge financial risk, potentially jeopardising our long-term survival. So we were left with no other choice than to pull the plug before it was too late.”
All 2021 tickets will be rolled over to 2022.
The statement continued: “As a small independent business that has been hit extremely hard by the pandemic, we really need as many people as possible to roll their tickets to next year, just so we can keep paying our staff and secure the long-term survival of 2000trees.
“You kept us alive in 2020 when over 95% of you rolled your tickets to this year. If you could do the same for us again by holding onto your tickets until 2022, not only will you get next years festival at 2019 prices, but we will love you forever and promise to make the 2022 festival one to remember!
“Thanks for reading and for your continued support, it means the world to us and we look forward to partying extra hard with you all next year.”
For more information visit twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk
